Rob Williams

Insect Judging Clinic Helps Increase Youths’ Interest in Insects

April 7, 2015 by Rob Williams

Dr. Teel teaching — Dr. Pete Teel speaking to leaders during a concurrent session for leaders only. Photo by Rob Williams

COLLEGE STATION, Texas –A total of 98 high school and junior high students learned the basics of entomology and insect identification during the Department of Entomology’s annual Insect Judging Clinic on March 28.

This is the fifth year that the Department has hosted the event that helps students to work on refining their insect identification skills and learn about science and about Texas A&M University.

Volunteers graded practice exams for the "Ultimate Challenge." Photo by Rob Williams — Volunteers graded practice exams for the “Ultimate Challenge.” Photo by Rob Williams

The half-day-long clinic featured various demonstrations on topics such as the basics of identifying and collecting insects and recognizing features of problem insect orders that could appear in the upcoming 4-H and FFA contests, as well as interactive breakout insect viewing stations where students could ask questions.

Dr. Pete Teel, right, talking to Christian Dieterich, center, and Tina Dieterich about entomology. Photo by Rob Williams.

Dr. Pete Teel opened the clinic and introduced himself to students during the welcoming session. He briefed them on the overview of the event’s activities and discussed with them why this clinic is important.

“This clinic is to help you compete better and learn about the insect orders, as well as to help build on your programs back home,” Teel said.

Teel also said that what the students learn from today’s clinic can also be used as a teaching tool for the younger generations that will be in future contests, as well as help them learn in science classes.

Ordom Huot helping a leader with an insect identification. Photo by Rob Williams.

“The nice thing about this clinic is that you will be able to teach and engage younger members into learning entomology,” he said. “You will then become a legacy in your group.”

Students and leaders were then divided up and sent to three concurrent sessions that included basic insect identification, pinning and collection techniques, and a leaders-only workshop on how to build reliable resources for success as an entomological team.

Students then had the choice of visiting five insect identification sessions where they could view insects in various orders with microscopes or by hand and ask the volunteers questions. The stations included the most common insects in Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera, as well as the most commonly missed insect orders.

IMG_3172-smaller — Shelby Kilpatrick, left, and Derek Woller showing participants various insects that can be collected. Photo by Rob Williams

Throughout the day, students could also test their newly-learned skills during the “Ultimate Challenge” quiz and ask questions during the student panel discussion led by both the Department’s undergraduate and graduate students.

Some of the topics that were discussed included careers in entomology, a day in the life of a college student at A&M, and entomology in general.

Ph.D. student Lue Cuttiford worked with several of the students with identifying insects in the order Diptera. She loved the fact that the clinic is a great event for helping them to learn about science and entomology.

“This is great and a great opportunity to reach out to the students,” Cuttiford said.

Denton County 4-H parent Tina Dieterich also said that this was a great learning experience for all the participants, including the adult leaders.

“This is a great activity, especially for those who want to learn more about entomology,” she said. “We learned a great deal on the different ways on how to collect insects and it was a lot of fun.”

Entomology Students’ Research Receives Top Awards during Spring Competitions

March 31, 2015 by Rob Williams

Carl Hjelmen with award — Carl Hjelmen with his award during the Ecological Integration Symposium awards presentation. Photo by Rob Williams.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Spring 2015 has turned out to be a good semester for the Department of Entomology’s undergraduate and graduate students as they received high recognitions during two research competitions in late March.

The first set of students received high marks during the student research competition at the 16^th annual Ecological Integration Symposium held at Rudder Tower on Thursday.

During the event, Ph.D. student Carl Hjelmen received the first place award in the Graduate Student Presentations category for his presentation titled “Size DOES Matter: Finding phylogenetic signal in Drosophila genome size” while Ph.D. student Liz Walsh received second place for her talk titled “The Effects of In-Hive Miticides on Queen (Apis mellifera) Retinue Response and Mandibular Glands”

Alexandria Payne stands beside her poster during the Student Research poster session. Photo by Rob Williams.

Both were recognized during a special awards presentation Thursday. Hjelmen is advised by Dr. Spencer Johnston and Walsh is advised by Dr. Juliana Rangel.

Two undergraduates and four graduate students also were honored during the university’s annual Student Research Week from March 24-26. The students were among several hundred that either displayed posters or presented orally their research projects in front of their peers during the weeklong competition.

Zachary Dell stands with his poster at Student Research Week. Photo by Dr. Pete Teel.

Senior Forensic and Investigative Sciences major Zachary Dell received second place in the Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics and Material Sciences Category for his poster titled “Application of Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to Estimate Post-Mortem Interval”. In the Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics section, Ph.D. student Derek Woller and co-author Dr. Hojun Song received first place for the poster titled “Unraveling phallic complexities in scrub-lovin’ grasshoppers: Does Shape Matter? (Acrididae: Melanoplus: The Puer Group).”

In the Plant Sciences, Animal Sciences, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Entomology, Agriculture and Ecological Restoration category, undergraduate Entomology major Alexandria Payne received first place for her poster titled “The interconnectivity of Tawny crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva) nests in relation to population density”.

James Tracy speaking about his poster during the Ecological Integration Symposium. Photo by Rob Williams

Ph.D. student James Tracy received the graduate student award for his poster titled “Distinguishing Riparian Tamarisk/Willow and Mesquite Habitats of Endangered Bird Species with High Resolution Multispectral Imagery”. Tracy is co-advised by Drs. Robert Coulson and Allen Knutson.

Ph.D. students Carl Hjelmen and Chin Heo also were tied for first place in the Oral Presentation section of the Plant Sciences, Animal Sciences, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Entomology, Agriculture and Ecological Restoration category. Heo’s presentation was titled “Ecosystem Resilience of Microbial Functions on Carrion with Delayed Diptera Colonization.”

Woller, Heo and Hjelmen were also named graduate nominees for the Vice President for Research Excellence in Research Award. This award is given to both graduates and undergraduates that excel in their research during the competition. The winner of the award will be announced at a later time this year.

Woller is advised by Dr. Hojun Song and Heo is advised by Dr. Jeffery Tomberlin.

Termite School Trains Pest Management Professionals on Latest Techniques

March 26, 2015 by Rob Williams

Professor and Endowed Chair in Structural Entomology Dr. Ed Vargo teaching a class — Professor and Endowed Chair in Structural Entomology Dr. Ed Vargo leading a classroom lecture on the basics of termites

COLLEGE STATION, Texas–Twenty-one pest management professionals convened at the Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Center to learn the latest termite control techniques at the Philip Hamman Termite Control Training School on March 24-26.

The three-day-long event was held to allow pest control and other professionals interested in termite control to receive the proper training in the latest techniques on how to treat and control termites in structures.

Each session included various hands-on demonstrations and classroom lectures that allow the participants to learn how to properly apply the appropriate technologies and proven methods to protect structures from being infested by termites.

Chris Keefer demonstrating equipment to crowd — Chris Keefer demonstrating various equipment pest control professionals use to treat termites.

Some of the hands-on demonstrations included conducting a walkthrough of various structures that could be encountered in termite treatment and inspections, how to properly drill through different surfaces to treat termites, and proper applications of termiticide, baiting, as well as safety precautions.

Participants also had the chance to do a hands-on inspection walkthrough using various tools and learn how to properly report their findings with the right documentation. On Thursday afternoon, participants were then given a written exam and received a certificate of completion, along with several continuing education units upon completion.

Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist Dr. Robert Puckett stressed the importance of having these trainings for the pest management industry.

“Termite treatment strategies and available termiticides are constantly evolving. Additionally, treatment strategies often involve very ‘invasive’ procedures that can be very stressful for property owners,” he said. “As a result, pest management professionals must be precise in their diagnosis of termite infestations, the identification of termite species involved, and in the implementation of control strategies. Additionally, they must operate with the safety of their clients, themselves, and non-target organisms in mind at all times.”

The trainings also allow pest management professionals the chance to see all aspects of how to properly manage termites and to ask questions if needed about changes, Puckett said. Also, the trainings satisfy the eight-hour minimum state requirements needed for termite technicians and helps people to prepare for the Texas state category exam.

“Our comprehensive training provides pest management professionals exposure to all aspects of termite management in an environment in which they are encouraged to communicate openly with instructors and colleagues,” Puckett said. “As a result, attendees build their level of competency and confidence with regards to the proper management of termite infestations.”

“Everything has been great and there are a lot of great hands on demonstrations,” said Alberto Gonzalez of Frio Pest Control and Landscaping in Leakey.

Puckett enjoyed working with the participants and said it is a great opportunity for both Extension and the Urban and Structural Entomology program.

“Teaching classes like this is one of the most satisfying components of my position with Texas AgriLife Extension and at the Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility. This is an impactful course, and I know that the attendees leave with a refined knowledge of the safest and best termite management practices,” he said. “They begin to think of our laboratory and the Department of Entomology as a resource that they can depend on for information and assistance.”

Professor and Endowed Chair in Structural Entomology Dr. Ed Vargo was very pleased with this year’s turnout.

“Our first Philip J. Hamman Termite Control Training School at the new Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility was a great success,” he said. “The new facility, with its stylish conference room and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, provided a relaxed and stimulating environment for the participants to expand their knowledge and technical skills in subterranean termite management. We look forward to the next termite training school.”

For more information on the Philip Hamman Termite School, see http://termiteschool.tamu.edu

Hapes Elected to Advising Training and Development Chair Position with National Academic Advising Organization

March 16, 2015 by Rob Williams

RebeccaHapes-sliderimage — Rebecca Hapes. Submitted photo.

The Department of Entomology would like to congratulate Rebecca Hapes, Senior Academic Advisor in Entomology, on her recent election as chair of the Advising Training and Development Commission of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Hapes assumes her new role at the end of the NACADA Annual Conference held in Las Vegas, NV in October and will serve in this position until October 2017.

As the chair, Hapes will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to the commission regarding its special advising area of interest, promoting participation in commission activities and conference programming, and proposing and facilitating activities and publications to advance the professional development of its members and contribute to the general body of knowledge of the commission.

In this role, Hapes will be contributing not only to the Association but also to the profession of advising and higher education in general.

Hapes is the Department’s Senior Academic Advisor II and is responsible for assisting graduate and undergraduate students concerning their educational/career goals. She assists with student recruitment, application, matriculation, and guides students through their academic programs while enrolled, as well as assists with a variety of other academic operations within the department.

She is currently serving as the National Chair for the Advising Graduate and Professional Students Commission for the NACADA (2013-2015) and has received the organization’s Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit in 2010 and the Region VII Outstanding Advisor – Primary Role Award in 2009.

“I’m honored to be selected for this position and to continue to advance to goals of the organization in this capacity,” Hapes said.

Students Experience Hands-On Learning With Insect Collecting Trip

March 13, 2015 by Rob Williams

Lindsey Garza with a grasshopper she collected at a recent trip to Lick Creek Park. Submitted photo

Several students in Dr. Julio Bernal’s ENTO 313, Biology of Insects, lab got the experience of a lifetime this March as they learned valuable hands-on experience in collecting insects at Lick Creek Park early in March.

The students worked throughout the class period learning the various techniques and the insect biodiversity that is at the park. Teaching assistant and Ph.D. student Ordom Huot led the trip and said that he wanted to teach and use some of the collection and identification techniques that were taught in the lab and during the lecture.

“I believe that it’s important for students to observe insects in nature to understand the important role of insects and to have experiences applying the knowledge they had gained in class,” Huot said.

Huot said this was the first time the students had worked in the field collecting insects and that insects they were focusing on were in the orders Orthoptera (grasshoppers), Diptera (flies), Collembola (springtails), Isoptera (termites), and Coleoptera (beetles).

Senior Wildlife and Fisheries major Katherine Hoffman said that her favorite part of the activity was learning all the different collection techniques and collecting various insects including springtails and dung beetles.

Students in ENTO 313 collecting insects — Students in ENTO 313 Dr. Julio Bernal’s ENTO 313, *Biology of Insects* collecting insects off of a tree out at Lick Creek Park. The students received valuable information on how entomologists collected insects in the field during the trip. Submitted photo.

“I think I perfected the technique of removing bark to collect Collembola,” she said. “It was great and lots of fun.”

In addition to dung beetles and springtails, some students caught grasshoppers and some paper wasps, including junior Lindsey Garza. She caught a fairly large grasshopper near the trails.

“It was cool. I saw him on the ground and I thought it was great when I got him,” she said.

Garza said her favorite part of the trip was working with the various techniques, including using a sweep net to capture insects.

“It was fun chasing the insects with the net,” she said. “They’re really fast!”

Senior Biomedical Sciences and Entomology major Amanda Blake learned that there were a lot of surprises when collecting insects.

“I learned that insects are in a lot of places that I didn’t expect,” she said. “I thought collecting them was great.”

Huot was pleased with the outcome and said the students did enjoy the collection time, despite the cooler weather conditions.

“I was just hoping to show students different techniques of collecting insects so that they can collect insects on their own,” he said. “Frankly, I did not expect much since the weather was unpredictable and it was still cold outside, but the students had so much fun and we found so many insects. So we ended up staying at the park longer than planned.”